X-Message-Number: 11662 From: Date: Sun, 2 May 1999 01:15:00 -0500 (CDT) Subject: Virtual reality already exists in dream states. As far as the question as to whether we will ever be able to create virtual realities, please consider the experience of lucid dreaming, in which we demonstrate that we already HAVE this capability and can, to a greater degree than most people realize, control it consciously. With some effort it is possible to learn to become fully conscious in dream states and to directly experience environments which are just as detailed, vivid and "real" as any expereinced when awake. I have done this myself, as have numerous others. One of the best books on this subject is LUCID DREAMING by Stanford University professor Stephen LaBerge. Those who are unaware of the details regarding this phenomena should note that conscious communication in the laboratory from dreaming subjects has been verified numerous times such that lucid dreaming is a demonstrated scientific fact and not a mere hypothesis nor delusion. My point is that in the dream state one is already able to generate and experience virtual realities which are indistinguishable from "real" reality. This can be verified by any individual interested in making the requisite effort to learn to do so. To better access this already-available human capability should certainly be possible as we unravel the workings of the brain. Currently it is a skill which can be developed but does require sleep and effort to be achieved. Future developments in brain research will hopefully tap into this capability which already is present, making it an on-command event, probably at the push of a button. I therefore find the question regarding whether we CAN develop a highly sophisticated virtual reality which is indistinguishable from this one to have been answered already both in the laboratory and in my personal experience. See you in my dreams! -George Smith CI member Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=11662